I'm Not Okay

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Film Short

Drama

Loughlin Caroline

1 Campaigns | Pennsylvania, United States

Green Light

This campaign raised $3,785 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.

14 supporters | followers

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The film follows Callie as she works on healing from her relationship that ended. She's been self-isolating, and her best friend, Ivy, shows up and forces her to leave her apartment and open up about what happened. It is difficult for Callie to open up, as she fears being a burden.

About The Project

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Mission Statement

Adding to the catalog of representation for sexual violence survivors. This story focuses primarily on the healing process that comes after the abuse, instead of portraying the abuse itself. We aim to flip the negative traumatic events that took place into a positive learning journey.

The Story

The Story

The story starts with Callie in her apartment, journaling. The room is shown as extremely messy and it is clear that she hasn’t been doing much. Her best friend, Ivy, appears at her house, worried about Callie since she hasn’t seen her in a month. Ivy forces Callie to leave her apartment, and while they are out and about Ivy pushes Callie to open up about her breakup, and what happened to her. Callie is hesitant at first, afraid of Ivy’s reaction, but eventually does talk about what happened. Through their conversation Callie learns that it is okay to open up to friends, but also starts to find the strength to get the professional help that she needs.




The Inspiration

This is my story, based on my own life. I realized what had happened to me through different conversations with friends, and opening up to people about it afterwards was an anxiety inducing experience. I didn’t know if people were going to respond in a positive or a negative way, or if they would even believe me. However, opening up to different friends, with different responses, led me to therapy. Therapy led me to opening up to my mom, which then gave me the courage to write a story about what happened. 


I’m Not Okay is an important message by itself to me. It is okay to not have every moment be perfect, and have moments where you need to reach out to others. It is incredibly difficult to admit, even to yourself, that you aren't okay. This story highlights the human need to open up to other people. Even if opening up to other people is extremely challenging. 


This story also highlights the healing path after something happens, and doesn’t focus on the moment when the event happened. Being sexually assaulted and raped by a boyfriend is something really difficult to wrap your head around. It is hard to accept that someone so close to you could hurt you in that sort of way. The important part for this story is the after part. The acceptance and healing, as well as partial self blame for what happened. This project allows me to continue my healing journey in a creative way, while also bringing awareness to partner abuse. 


Callie - Lead Character


Callie has self-isolated and been dealing with the aftermath of being SA'd/raped by her ex during their relationship. She seems evasive when confronted about the trauma because she fears vulnerability, and doesn't want to be judged because of what happened. She wants connection but fears opening up will push people away or mark her as damaged.



Ivy - Supporting Character


Ivy is self-assured. She is confident while compassionate, pushing when it matters but pulling back when needed to help friends open up. She is attentive and warm, reassuring friends through practical action. She is direct yet gentle.






Process

Currently this project is in preproduction with all the logistics being figured out. The money raised for this project will be used to help cover things in the production stage. Including actor pay, travel expenses, and food. When this project is finished, I plan on sharing it with as many people as possible. The message in this story is one I want to share with as many people as I can. Below is a picture from our location scout of our chosen park, and an image from our test shoot.

Wishlist

Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.

Park Location

Costs $100

Getting the permit so we can film at our location.

Actors Pay

Costs $600

Pay the actors for their time on set.

Food

Costs $1,200

Food so we can feed both cast and crew on set days, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Art Department Supplies

Costs $180

So we can pay for props, set decoration, wardrobe, hair, and makeup costs.

Travel Reimbursement

Costs $300

Money to cover gas and travel reimbursement.

Production Supplies

Costs $115

This covers cleaning supplies, cups, plates, napkins, paper towels, and any other items like that.

Equipment

Costs $550

Multiple drives so we can save the project and have backups, as well as to cover expendables like batteries.

Transportation (U-Haul and rental car)

Costs $1,629

We need to rent a U-Haul to transport the equipment and rental cars to transport the crew to the park filming location.

Cash Pledge

Costs $0

About This Team

Caroline Loughlin - Director

Writer/Director based in Philadelphia. I'm really excited to be sharing my story and telling a story that I feel is so important. I love creating stories and sharing messages that I find important.


Bria Guilford - Producer

Producer and Art Director based in Philadelphia and Connecticut. I latch towards stories that empower women and represent their struggles. Therefore, this story in particular immediately grabbed my interest.

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